After securing their first Premier League victory this season, Bournemouth face a challenging Carabao Cup fixture as they welcome Liverpool to the Vitality Stadium in the fourth round on Wednesday.
The Cherries sailed past Stoke City in their previous EFL Cup clash with a comfortable 2-0 win. Meanwhile, Liverpool showed their resilience by coming from behind to defeat Leicester City 3-1, a pattern seen throughout their campaign.
The journey to victory was not an easy one for Bournemouth’s under-pressure head coach Andoni Iraola, as they faced Burnley in their most recent Premier League fixture. The Clarets’ Charlie Taylor found the net with a powerful volley in the 11th minute, making it seem like it’d be another difficult day for the Cherries. However, Antoine Semenyo’s composed finish across the goal brought hope and left the basement battle finely poised.
Bournemouth goalkeeper Ionut Radu played a crucial role in keeping Burnley in check, but a long-range stunner from Philip Billing – followed by a VAR controversy surrounding Jay Rodriguez’s goal being disallowed for offside – ultimately favored Bournemouth.
This victory allowed them to escape the relegation zone and claim 17th place in the Premier League, leaving Sheffield United as the sole team without a win this season. With their run of form, Bournemouth is expected to have a low winning odds in the Top 10 Betting Sites.
Prior to this Premier League win, Iraola had masterminded Carabao Cup victories over Championship opponents Swansea City and Stoke City, reaching the fourth round for the second consecutive year. However, their journey ended at this stage last year against eventual runners-up Newcastle United.
Bournemouth had previously reached the quarter-finals in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, succumbing to Chelsea on both occasions. With a daunting clash against Manchester City looming in the top flight next weekend, a victory in the EFL Cup would be ideal preparation.
In a poignant moment on Sunday, Liverpool attacker Diogo Jota paid tribute to his teammate Luis Diaz after the kidnapping of his parents in their native Colombia. Liverpool faced a determined Nottingham Forest side, with Jota breaking their resistance to open the scoring. Goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah sealed a convincing victory, but manager Jurgen Klopp emphasised that football took a back seat on this sombre occasion.
Liverpool are currently fourth in the Premier League thanks to their fifth consecutive home win at the weekend. In their Carabao Cup opener against Leicester City, they fell behind early but responded to claim a 3-1 victory.
Their defence of the trophy their won in 2022 was halted by Manchester City at this stage last season. However, with four wins and a draw in their last five matches, including scoring at least two goals in each game, Liverpool’s attacking prowess puts them in a strong position for this year’s EFL Cup.
Interestingly, Liverpool had to come from behind in their previous meeting with Bournemouth earlier this season, ultimately winning 3-1. However, on the Reds’ last visit to the Vitality Stadium in March, the Cherries got their revenge for a 9-0 defeat at Anfield earlier in the campaign with a solitary Philip Billing goal.
As for the team news, Bournemouth are dealing with injuries to several key players, including Tyler Adams, Emiliano Marcondes, Ryan Fredericks and Neto. Lewis Cook is serving a suspension, and Marcos Senesi is doubtful due to a muscular issue.
Liverpool will be without several players due to injuries, including Andrew Robertson, Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara and Ben Doak. However, Curtis Jones is back from suspension, and Luke Chambers is expected to get his second senior start. Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah and the returning Cody Gakpo are also likely to feature.
Bournemouth are expected to play without fear, but Liverpool’s in-form attackers are likely to make the difference. A 3-1 victory for the Reds is anticipated, as they have the firepower to overcome the Cherries.
In conclusion, this Carabao Cup clash promises excitement, and both teams are determined to make progress in the competition. Bournemouth’s new=found confidence and Liverpool’s attacking prowess make this fixture one to watch.